After sitting in an indoor storage unit at an airport for the last 28 years, this 1964 Chevrolet Corvette is now ready for a new home. Seven bidders have increased this car to $22,322, which seems like a healthy amount for this car. There is no indicated reserve. It is located in Bakersfield, California and it has a VIN listed, clear title, but the miles are a little controversial, which will be explained later. You can view more on eBay.
The speedometer was rebuilt and the odometer was reset at 65,363 miles. After being put back to 0 the car has since traveled 9,314 miles. Beyond that, it is very hard to decipher exactly what is going on with the engine. A lot of information is scattered around the listing, but it seems that the engine currently in the car is a 427 cubic-inch big block out of a 1969 Chevy. Some mentioning of a 454 is also noted, and information is documented about cranks, heads, pistons, rods, and bearings. Maybe you can decipher it better than me. The transmission is said to be a stock Muncie 4-speed with a reverse lockout that was apparently rebuilt in the 1980s’.
This Vette was painted and reupholstered in 1976. As you can see from the interior photo, it certainly is a time capsule of that time frame. Those seats would be more at home in a Porsche or Volkswagen, yet, here there are, holding you in place in a Corvette.
The seller does not have the convertible top, just the hardtop available. Apparently, the bumpers were re-chromed back in 1976 and the seller says that will need to be done again. They also have the original hubcaps available. Maybe because this car is located in California, it is an older restoration and stored for so long which is why it is drawing the bids and increasing the price. With the lack of clarity in the listing and the less than adequate photo count and quality, this is a car you will want to take a good walk around before you purchase.
They could have at least bolted and torqued the intake to the floorboard .
It has a 427 block with “454” heads. Casting numbers and dates would be more useful than the information supplied in the ad.
I’d lose the upholstery and wire wheels then track down some vintage speed equipment. Leave the paint and then enjoy the car. No need to do a restomod or restoration, use whatever existing parts can be salvaged to keep the costs down.
Steve R
Sounded like big block was aquried in pieces. Hodge podge of this and that, might work, bolt it together and drop it in and see what happens, wash it up and drive it. Oh yeah get some period correct wheels on it, five spoke always look good.
In 69-70 some casting numbers for blocks and heads were the same for 427’s and 454’s. That’s why part numbers are important. From 1971, all production line installed iron head 454’s were basically oval port headed passenger car engines, though performance crate engines were still available over the counter. This makes it that much more important to run numbers, someone could easily assume they are getting parts to build a performance engine with the car and wind up with peanut port truck heads that yield less than 8-1 compression.
Steve R
That interior! I’m imagining a hip, swinging 70s couple re-doing this to match their RV. They then towed it around behind said RV, so they could be the “it” couple everywhere they went.
Those wooden dash knobs look like something you could get at two guys or pep boys.
It doesn’t make any sense that the guy hung onto it for 28 years not doing anything with it. To each their own. We see it over and over. It will still need anything. Better hope the nose or tail has not been broken off and patched back on.
So figure at least $100 a month he would have to have at least $33,600 to just break even on fees. Not including the car. The car looks very hurt with the mid 1970’s mods. Looks very Brady Mid Century. At least it hasn’t been out in the elements.
No pics of the frame, as usual. If the engine is complete, why wouldn’t the guy take a few hours and assemble- seems it would be easier to sell that way, no? Kinda like the color. Good luck!
Cheers
GPC
The car was from Bakersfield California and has been stored inside for close to 30 years. It’s not surprising the seller didn’t include pictures of the frame, he’s not a flipper or dealer. Just some guy selling his old car from an area where rust isn’t an issue.
Steve R
Wow a true project of jig saw puzzle pieces. Top bid is over actual value before you even get it on your trailer. Too much of a project.with too little return for me at my age. Good luck to the buyer.
Maybe I’m just a trusting sort of guy but I thought the ebay ad was pretty clear . I think if the seller was trying to hoodwink someone he would have been a bit more wordy. Lose that steering wheel and those butt ugly wheels, double check that 427 to make sure all the parts and pieces are compatible and then just drive it. The thing with the speedo was pretty clear and its what was done if the speedometer needed rebuilding, unless ir was a new car under warranty. So if the seller owns a plane and has a hanger it wouldn’t cost any extra to store the Corvette there. Just by some of the responses I’ve been reading here lately I guess there are a bunch of you guys that aren’t too trusting ,,,,,,,,, or sneaky enough to know the ins and outs of shady dealings and get away with crap ?
yea moosie there is so much fraud that you need to be suspicious. The frame needs to be inspected, no pic of it, Thinking if its bad he ain’t gonna take pics. Caveat Emptor.
Cheers
GPC
Put that engine together with performance parts, drop it in and drive it! What a fun car with an unusual color to boot! A lot more fun than a restored museum piece in my book. Put OEM seat covers and carpet in it if that bugs you. A big block Corvette for under $30K? Hell, yes!
A word to the wise: As far as buying a vintage car on Ebay or anywhere else, look at it in person first!
The ’64 Corvette was not delivered with a big block as an option. The harmonic balancer will contact the front cross member during installation unless you cut it open or replace the cross member. This car may require a bit of work to make all these pieces compatible.
Just sayin….
I’d kill for the seats for my custom van
Sold for $25,050!